353 Lets Go to the Doujinshi Convention Together! (1/2)

Butterflies danced among the flowers, birds sang in the forest, and snow fell on the weather barrier, transforming into a faint white mist.

Time marched onwards in the beautiful and quiet garden. After a long while, Natsuya slowly released Seiji.

Their gazes locked for a moment, then their eyes darted away like startled fish. They looked at each other, red-faced and tongue-tied.

It was a scene right out of a teenage idols' drama.

For Seiji, this wasn't a sweet-and-sour moment. He attempted to master his thumping heart and itchy chest in vain.

”My apologies,” Natsuya said softly, breaking the silence. ”It was just an impulse.”

Seiji scratched his face awkwardly. ”It... it's alright. I was just really surprised.”

”Now you mention it, I don't know what came over me... Your words struck a chord in my heart, and I couldn't control myself...” Natsuya paused for a moment. ”At any rate, thank you.”

”There's nothing to thank me for. I just said what I wanted to say.”

A moment of silence fell between them.

”At that time, what did Akatsuki Mitarai say to you?” Seiji asked. ”Are things truly alright?”

”He admitted I won—but that it was only the beginning. 'Remember this,' he said as he left, 'because I'll win next time.'”

Seiji furrowed his brows. ”He didn't promise to never approach you again?”

Natsuya made no reply.

'So,' Seiji mused, 'he probably intends to break his promise—even if he's punished for it.'

”Like I said earlier, as long as I can be of assistance, then—”

Seiji's voice caught in his throat as Natsuya placed her finger on his lips.

”There's no need to repeat yourself.” She retracted her finger and smiled gently. ”I know how you feel, Seiji, and I can't express my gratitude towards you in words...”

Seiji blinked at this. After a few moments, he grinned broadly and said, ”There's no need to be polite, Natsuya.”

Akatsuki Mitarai left the party together with his Spirit-branded Retainer, Naruo Yashuu.

According to the other Masters, Akatsuki claimed he had something urgent to take care of. Regardless of whether or not he was speaking the truth, to flee after his loss to Natsuya left everyone feeling rather bemused.

In other words, he seemed just like a cur scampering off after a harsh beating.

Seiji was unsurprised by his behavior, but the other people at the party felt that this was different from Akatsuki's usual style.

They asked Natsuya Yoruhana about what exactly had transpired.

Natsuya didn't want to be the subject of too many discussions, so she underplayed the situation and said that there was a small conflict between them.

This type of answer caused many people's imaginations to run wild.

Natsuya maintained her image as the daughter of the Yoruhana family and politely responded to everyone.

Seiji accompanied her, acting the part as her Spirit-branded Retainer.

Everyone chatted, played some smaller games, and watched some performances to pass the time.

Finally, the party came to a conclusion.

Before they left, Kanna and Izawa came to find them again.

”Let's go to the doujinshi convention together!” Kanna said excitedly.

Natsuya and Seiji, both under the impression that the duo had come to say goodbye, were surprised by this.

”I'd like to visit the doujinshi convention in a few days.” Kanna smiled and added, ”It'll definitely be fun if everyone goes together! You guys will agree to come, won't you?” Her eyes were sparkling with expectation.

Natsuya and Seiji exchanged awkward glances.

”Do you know what a doujinshi convention is?” Seiji whispered, shuffling closer to Natsuya.